Side Lit American Kestrel And The Capricious Gods Of Photography

I’d give my shutter finger and my last chocolate donut to be able to change one tiny thing about her takeoff shot.

 

1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in

Two weeks ago I was undecided about whether I should even attempt to approach this female American Kestrel on a weathered old post because she was so strongly side lit. I knew the high contrast of the bird would be accentuated by the mostly dark background and she was unlikely to let me get close enough anyway. But imagining the shot in the mind is often a poor predictor of actual results so I decided to give it a go.

She let me approach and I like the results. I managed to get plenty of detail in the shadows on her back without overexposing her sunlit belly, she gave me a head turn that put light on her face, I like the weathered perch with vegetation actually growing out its top and I think the dark background enhances the dramatic light on the bird and perch.

My next goal was a takeoff or flight shot so I removed my teleconverter to give me more room in the frame. Many things have to go right for a good takeoff shot but for a spectacular one the number of requirements is nearly endless and most of them are completely out of the photographer’s control.

You’re at the complete mercy of the unpredictable bird and the capricious gods of photography.

 

 

1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in

So it’s incredibly frustrating when everything falls into place for a spectacular takeoff shot except one. I won’t even try to list or describe all the things I like about this photo but if not for a single glaring fault it could have been one of my best takeoff/flight shots ever.

There’s no light on her &#%!@? face! She’s even looking back at me and we can see her eye, at least we could see her eye if it wasn’t in such deep shade. I’ll forever look at this photo and lament what could have been.

I know, I know – things like this happen to every serious bird photographer on the planet. But that sad but completely irrelevant fact doesn’t make it one bit easier when it happens to me.

Ron

 

 

30 Comments

  1. Yeah. I get what you are talking about. I do like the detail. Wish you a pleasant Christmas season and happy birding in the days to come.

  2. I appreciate all of your shots. Merry Christmas to you and family!!!

  3. ARGH! Ol’ Murph stole your chocolate donut!

  4. Ron, this is still a fabulous shot!!!!

    But I also so appreciate your candor in this post! I can *feel* your joy and frustration!

    Thanks for sharing!

  5. Arwen Professional Joy Seeket

    Arrrgh.
    A catchlight!
    A catchlight!
    My kingdom for a catchlight!

  6. She’s gorgeous, and first image is a wonderful portrait. That second shot — those incredible, unfolding feathers! I’m so sorry her face didn’t light up, too. Those feathers and all that beautiful light … I feel your pain. And I’m not even a bird photographer. 😕

  7. Reminds me of a women living in a strict Islamic country, Quickly covering her face with her niqab, so her face is not seen by a stranger. A woman cloaked in mystery. I actually love it, hidden face and all!

  8. Well, the first shot is fantastic!

  9. Oh Ron. I feel with and for you. And would assuredly have turned the air around me a cerulean blue shade.
    I envy you seeing this bird and her take off just the same.

  10. Fantastic shots Ron! Perfection is not always achievable. ;>)

  11. I agree with your analysis of the first photo. You achieved just the right balance of light and shade. I empathize with you on the second photo, but it is an object lesson to not take for granted the effort and skill you display daily. So even bloopers have their value.

  12. Oh, not your shutter finger, surely!

  13. ARGH! (KNOW that’s not what you said…😉) It’s still a beautiful photo tho I SURE “get it”.😀 The feather detail is great and the background perfect!

  14. Knew right away of course what was wrong. A perfect photo other than the light on the face. I think the capricious gods of feathered photography and maybe even Murphy himself are going to give you another shot of this same kestrel taking off in perfect light.
    Envious of Deb’s kestrel boxes. Over the past 3 years I have been responsible for keeping watch on two kestrel boxes that have never even had a hint of a visit let alone nesting. Might be time to move them.

  15. I feel your pain, Ron, but you are quite lucky to even get so close, your perched image is fabulous. The wing and feather detail is interesting to study! I maintain 2 AMKE nestboxes and even though the birds see me almost every day they are so wary I cannot get close enough in the car for good image quality. I’ve tried all sorts of tactics with no luck so far!

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